Sheila E’s "heart is broken" following Prince’s death.
The ‘Kiss’ hitmaker was found dead in an elevator at his Paisley Park estate this morning (21.04.16) and his former girlfriend and collaborator – who met the singer in 1978 – has been left distraught by his passing.
The 58-year-old drummer – who worked with him on ‘Purple Rain’ and sang on ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ and ‘Erotic City’, as well as performing in his live band – tweeted: "My heart is broken. There are no words. I love you! (sic)"
Another of his collaborators, Sheena Easton, has issued a heartfelt statement on the shock news.
She said: "It is impossible to imagine him not being here. The world of music was forever changed the day he picked up his guitar. His talent was breathtaking, his heart was kind, and all of us have been blessed to have had a glimpse into this sweet and magical soul. Sheena"
Elsewhere, tributes have continued to flood in for the singer, with Madonna hailing him as a "true visionary".
Alongside an old photograph of them both, she wrote on Instagram: "He Changed The World!! A True Visionary. What a loss. I’m Devastated. This is Not A Love Song.(sic)"
Chaka Khan also shared a throwback picture as she mourned her "brother".
She wrote: "I LOVED him, the world LOVED him. Now he’s at peace with his Father. Rest in power, @prince, my brother.(sic)"
Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger has paid tribute to the "limitless" talent of the "startling" musician.
He said in a statement: "I am so saddened to hear the news. Prince was a revolutionary artist wonderful musician, and composer an original lyricist and a startling guitar player. His talent was limitless. He was one of the most unique and exciting artists of the last 30 years."
His bandmate Ronnie Wood is devastated by the loss of someone he considered a "friend".
He tweeted: "I will miss a good friend who was so talented. He was such a great performer / guitar player. Sleep well Prince."
‘Hello’ singer Lionel Richie admitted he will "miss" the singer.
He wrote: "I can’t believe it, I’m in total shock. So many wonderful memories, I will miss him. #Prince (sic)"
As well as sharing their personal connections to the ‘Gold’ singer, others chose to pay tribute to Prince’s talent.
BANG Showbiz founder Rick Sky, who interviewed the incredibly reclusive and private star said: "This is an incredible shock and a devastating loss to music. He was most probably the most versatile musician we have ever seen. He had such a burning passion for making music – his shows and the after-show gigs he did – where he would play for hours – are the stuff of legend."
Legendary Beach Boys star Brian Wilson said: "Musically, he could do it all: sing, play, arrange and produce".
And Guns N Roses guitarist Slash said: "Prince was one of the greatest musical talents of my lifetime. Maybe of the 20th century. RIP".
Other tributes were short but still heartfelt.
Comic Chris Rock simply tweeted: "Say it ain’t so", while singer-and-actress Jennifer Lopez posted: "Shocked and soooo sad!! #RIP PRINCE #music #legend #gonetoosoon."
Sheila E heartbroken by Prince death
